- Born on May 2, 1879 in Charleston: (historically recorded date of birth, Byrnes was actually born on May 2, 1882).
- Educated in the public schools of Charleston, SC.
- Court Reporter for the Second Circuit of South Carolina, 1900-1908.
- Editor of The Aiken Journal and Review, 1903-1907.
- Admitted to the bar in 1903 after studying law under Judge James Aldrich.
- Married Miss Maude Busch on May 2, 1906.
- Solicitor for the Second Circuit, 1908-1910.
- Member of the United States Congress from the Second District, 1911-1925.
- United States Senator from South Carolina, 1931-1941.
- Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1941-1942.
- Director of the Office of Economic Stabilization, 1942-1943 (became apopularly known as the Assistant President).
- Director of the Office of War Mobilization, 1943-1944.
- Director of War Mobilization and Reconversion, 1944-1945.
- Secretary of State of the United States, 1945-1947.
- Formation of the James F. Byrnes Foundation, 1948 (provides college grants for orphaned children).
- Governor of South Carolina, 1951-1955.
- United States Delegate to the United Nations, 1953.
- Died on April 9, 1972 in Columbia.
Click here to see a timeline map of Mr. Byrnes’ Career.